LLC Formations
15 min read

Do I Need an LLC for My Drone Photography Business?

Are you an ambitious drone photographer looking to take your business to the next level? If so, setting up an LLC is an essential step. An LLC will give you valuable legal protection and can be set up quickly and easily in just five steps. Read on and explore how to get started right away.

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Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
August 2, 2023
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Table of Contents:

7 Steps to Setting up an LLC for your Drone Photography Business:)

1. Pick a Name For Your Drone Photography LLC.

When naming your Airbnb LLC, it is important to consider the potential impact it could have on your business. Your name should be catchy and memorable, while still accurately representing the services that you provide, whether that’s rental properties or travel experiences. Consider the following tips when making a decision:

  • Research the competition - Look at the names of other Airbnb businesses to get an idea of what is already out there. Are there any words or phrases that you find especially appealing?
  • Be unique - Aim for a name that isn’t already in use, either online or in real life. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there aren’t any other companies with the same name.
  • Think of a memorable phrase - If you’re having trouble coming up with something new and fresh, look for different adjectives and nouns to get your creative juices flowing.
  • Stay relevant - Your name should be rooted in the concept of travel and hospitality, which can easily be accomplished by including keywords such as “lodging”, “vacation” or “rooms''.
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2. Choose a Registered Agent For Your Drone Photography LLC.

Securing a reliable registered agent for your drone photography LLC is key to protecting your legal interests. A registered agent is a requirement for most states when forming an LLC, and can provide many benefits, such as receiving important documents on your behalf. With so many options available, it’s not always easy to know how to pick the right one. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

  • Enlist the services of an experienced company. Experienced registered agents will understand how to handle business documents and develop strategies to help protect your business.
  • Consider a company that offers multiple services. Many companies offer additional services such as obtaining or renewing business licenses, filing documents with the Secretary of State and more.
  • Search for transparency about pricing and fees. Registered agents usually charge a fee for their services, so make sure you are aware of all charges and costs associated.
  • Look out for customer support. It’s important to choose a registered agent that’s responsive and helpful in case you need assistance.

3. File Your Drone Photography LLC Certificate of Organization.

Filing your certificate of organization for a drone photography business is an important step in formally registering your business. It's your key to unlocking the legal rights and privileges afforded to a business. These rights include applying for tax identification numbers, applying for loans, and opening a commercial bank account. Follow these easy steps to file your certificate of organization:

  • Research your state's filing requirements - Different states have different filing requirements when it comes to setting up a business. Make sure you know the local statutes that apply to the establishment of your drone photography business.
  • Determine your business structure - Will you form an LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or a Sole Proprietorship? You will need to select the one that best suits the needs of your drone photography company.
  • Choose a registered agent - Every company doing business in the United States must name and appoint someone as its registered agent. This agent should be located in the same state as where you are filing.
  • File the certificate of organization - Once you've done the necessary research, determined your structure, and chosen a registered agent, then it's time to file the certificate with the Secretary of State.
  • Apply for an EIN - An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used by businesses to file taxes and open bank accounts. In order to obtain yours, you must submit Form SS-4 with the IRS.

4. Draft Your Drone Photography LLC Operating Agreement.

Creating a comprehensive operating agreement for a drone photography business is essential for success. This document should provide clear guidelines for the company's operation, and outline how the business will conduct itself, deal with customers, handle payments, and manage employees. The following bullet points provide a template for creating an operating agreement for a company specializing in drone photography services.

  • Business Operations: Describe the scope of services offered by the business, such as aerial photography and videography, specialized post-production services, and other related services.
  • Financial Management: Detail how payments will be accepted and handled, such as an accepted payment method (credit card, check, etc.), late payment policies, and other related procedures.
  • Employee Management: Outline the responsibilities of all employees in relation to the company's operation and management. This includes job descriptions, wages/salary structure, vacation/sick pay policies, etc.
  • Customer Service: Define how the drone photography business should handle customers ethically and professionally. This may include providing satisfactory service delivery times, responding to customer inquiries quickly and efficiently, providing detailed invoices for services rendered.
  • Insurance/Liability: Outline any insurance requirements for employee or customer protection in regard to drone photography activities.

5. Grab Your Drone Photography LLC EIN.

Starting a drone photography business requires obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. An EIN is a nine-digit number that identifies a business entity and is used for filing taxes, opening a business bank account, and applying for business licenses or permits.

  • Visit the Internal Revenue Service website to apply for your EINing online.
  • The application should take no more than 15 minutes.
  • Include pertinent information about your drone photography business, such as the legal structure of the business and purpose of acquiring an EIN.
  • Once you have completed the application and received an acceptance notice from the IRS, you will have obtained your EIN.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it Legally Required to have an LLC for Your drone photography Business?

Whether or not you need an LLC for your drone photography business depends on a variety of factors. An LLC can provide liability protection, tax savings, and other legal benefits that can help your business. Every state has different requirements for businesses and the types of legal entities in which you can operate. It is important to check with your local government about its laws and regulations for drone photography businesses and LLCs in particular. Additionally, if you choose to contract out services or employ people to do the work for you, an LLC may be necessary to protect yourself from potential risks and liabilities that could arise from the activities of your contracted employees or vendors. When it comes to taxes, an LLC may help you save money depending on the size of your business and other factors. For example, if you choose to sign up as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in your state, you may be able to take advantage of pass-through taxation if you’re classified as a single-member LLC. This means that profits made in the business flow through directly to the owner instead of being taxed twice like with a corporation. In addition, some states offer special tax breaks for small LLCs that may help with reducing tax liability. Overall, it is important to do research into state laws and regulations before making a decision about forming an LLC for your drone photography business. By weighing the pros and cons and considering your individual needs as a business owner, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is best for your drone photography business to become an LLC.

What are the Tax Benefits for Having an LLC for Your drone photography Business?

The tax benefits of having an LLC for your drone photography business can be quite significant. An LLC is a great way to protect your personal assets while still taking advantage of the tax benefits necessary to operate your business. Here are some tips on the various tax benefits available with an LLC:

  • A Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers limited liability protection. This means that any potential claims or liabilities incurred by your drone photography business will not impact you or your personal assets.
  • LLCs provide flexibility and pass-through taxation which allows for income and expenses to “pass through” to the owner’s individual tax return, avoiding double taxation of corporated profits.
  • Having an LLC allows you to take advantage of self-employment taxes (SE taxes) which allows the deduction of a portion of self-employment taxes from gross income.
  • An LLC can help protect your assets from lawsuit judgments and creditors, as they cannot go after your personal assets if you have them protected under an LLC.

What Does it Cost to Form an LLC For Your drone photography Business?

Whether or not you need an LLC for your drone photography business depends on a variety of factors. An LLC can provide liability protection, tax savings, and other legal benefits that can help your business. Every state has different requirements for businesses and the types of legal entities in which you can operate. It is important to check with your local government about its laws and regulations for drone photography businesses and LLCs in particular. Additionally, if you choose to contract out services or employ people to do the work for you, an LLC may be necessary to protect yourself from potential risks and liabilities that could arise from the activities of your contracted employees or vendors. When it comes to taxes, an LLC may help you save money depending on the size of your business and other factors. For example, if you choose to sign up as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in your state, you may be able to take advantage of pass-through taxation if you’re classified as a single-member LLC. This means that profits made in the business flow through directly to the owner instead of being taxed twice like with a corporation. In addition, some states offer special tax breaks for small LLCs that may help with reducing tax liability. Overall, it is important to do research into state laws and regulations before making a decision about forming an LLC for your drone photography business. By weighing the pros and cons and considering your individual needs as a business owner, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is best for your drone photography business to become an LLC.

What Liability Risks do drone photography Businesses Face?

Drone photography businesses face a number of liability risks, including property damage, bodily injury, and invasion of privacy. Many states require drone operators to carry liability insurance in order to protect themselves from these potential risks. Additionally, businesses should consider developing safety protocols and policies for their operators to follow in order to reduce the risk of harm and liability related to their services. Operators should also be aware of any applicable state and federal laws governing the use of drones for commercial purposes.
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This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax and business advisers, as needed. We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Additional Resources for Starting an Drone PhotographyBusiness:

Beginning a drone photography business is a great way to utilize your skills as a videographer and photographer to pursue a passion. It also comes with the challenge of getting up to speed with the technology, understanding regulations, and finding necessary resources needed to get your business running. Below are some resources that could help you get your aerial drone photography business off the ground:

  • Instructional Videos: There are many instructional videos online that can help you understand the basics of operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for photography. Some great YouTube channels for drone photography include DroningON, Drone Tv, and Drone Creative.
  • Certification: Most commercial drone pilots need to be Part 107 certified. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has resources available online to help you get up to speed on the regulations and prepare for certification.
  • Equipment: To ensure high-quality photos taken from drones, you'll need professional-grade drones and equipment. Check out some of the most popular UAVs used by aerial photographers like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro or DJI Mavic Pro.
  • Marketing Resources: Once you have your business set up, you'll need to find ways to market it effectively. Utilize digital marketing strategies such as SEO and content marketing, as well as social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, to reach potential customers.
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Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.